Reader Letters | The West End

The question I ask is what is happening in the West End of Louisville? I am of the opinion that the answer is NOTHING.

The West End of Louisville was once a thriving area with lovely homes, working people and many businesses. Now it appears to be an area where a bomb has been dropped ... and is all gone.

After being in business in the West End since 1947, I have now closed my doors. All that remains is one empty building sitting on a lot that no one wants to buy.

Mayor Fischer, I need help and so do the good people of the West End. I urge you to take a tour of the West End to view the desperate needs of this area and its people.

IRMA JEAN YOFFE

Louisville 40222 -

Pollution solutions

We all suffer when our air is polluted by ozone. The clear solution to Louisville's ozone problem is to stop motor vehicle idling. Unfortunately, Louisville's political class is infected with an old malady ... they won't make a hard decision or state an opinion on a controversial topic until the public has clearly determined for themselves what to do.

So, I'll put this out there for my fellow citizens to think about. When it comes to idling, the most egregious and avoidable instance is cars waiting in line for "drive thru" service. I propose a drive thru fee of $1. This fee would be assessed on all such transactions; restaurants, liquor stores, banks, dry cleaners, you name it. The money collected would be used to convert city/county vehicle fleets (school buses, police cars, the mayor's car, etc.) to an alternative, less polluting fuel such as compressed natural gas (CNG). At the same time Louisville's politicians would find the gumption to pass an ordinance or executive order outlawing the idling of city/county owned vehicles, delivery vehicles and utility company vehicles.

Another alternative that will not likely get much support: Institute a local gasoline tax of $1 per gallon. It seems to me gas is too cheap because I see my fellow citizens leaving their idling cars outside stores where they shop to insure the vehicle is properly chilled or heated for their return. Maybe people will conserve gas if it costs a bit more.

JIM BUSCH

Louisville 40204 -

Nominating myself

Sen. Mitch McConnell has kicked off his 2014 campaign with a tea party strategist and a $6 million war chest. Since no Democratic candidates have come forward, this seems like an opportune time to declare my own candidacy as a Democratic challenger for the November 2014 Senate race. I am a lifelong Kentucky resident, a retired state employee, a former business owner, and a lifelong member of the 98 percent.

... Most importantly, I understand how to compromise, a trait missing in our current Congress. I believe in the concept of citizen legislators, not career politicians. Sen. McConnell is a poster boy for why we should have term limits in Congress. He may have been an effective senator a decade or two ago, but by his own admission he has spent the last three-plus years trying to assure that our president only serves one term.

Instead of being a partisan obstructionist, I promise to use the position to help stimulate the economy, increase employment, balance the budget, reduce dependence on foreign oil, avoid unjustified foreign wars, protect the environment, promote equality for all our citizens, assure access to medical care for all, and preserve Medicare and Social Security.

Whereas Sen. McConnell believes that money equals free speech, I believe that in politics, money is the root of all evil. Therefore, I will not solicit or accept any funds from individuals or PACs for my candidacy. If you support my candidacy, please make a donation to your favorite charity or cause. ... Since all my campaign spending will be out-of-pocket, my media advertising will be nonexistent.

I will try to rearrange my schedule around my family obligations of baby-sitting and eldercare to appear at any organization that invites me so that you can learn more about me. I will leap at the chance to appear at any event at which my opponent, Sen. McConnell, appears. The opportunity for an open political debate would be refreshingly welcome. In closing, I ask for only one thing from you, my fellow citizens. I ask for your vote in 2014, not your money.

MICHAEL AUSLANDER

Lousville 40220 -

Louisville, Kentucky • Southern Indiana

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Reader Letters | The West End

The question I ask is what is happening in the West End of Louisville? I am of the opinion that the answer is NOTHING. The West End of Louisville was once a thriving area with lovely homes, working